Madeleine Rivera reports from Washington, D.C., providing updates on a shooting incident near the White House. A gunman was killed after allegedly opening fire, and retired Secret Service agent Jeff James shares his expertise on the matter during ‘Fox & Friends Weekend.’
Saturday’s shootout between the Secret Service and an armed individual near the White House underscores the ongoing concerns over political violence involving President Donald Trump and other officials. Authorities identified the suspect as Nasire Best, 21, from Maryland. Best reportedly approached a Secret Service checkpoint around 6 p.m. and opened fire on the officers.
Incident Overview
According to a senior official, Best had previous encounters with the Secret Service and a reported history of mental health issues. He fired approximately three shots toward the White House before agents neutralized him.
The shooting follows another recent incident involving Cole Allen, 31, from Torrance, California. Allen attempted to breach security at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton, carrying multiple weapons and a manifesto.
Security Concerns
Cole Allen shared anti-Trump sentiments online and aimed to target senior officials during the event. Law enforcement stopped him outside the Hilton.
The plot involving Allen came on the heels of two assassination attempts on Trump during the 2024 campaign. One such incident occurred in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a gunman opened fire at a Trump rally, grazing Trump’s ear and causing other casualties before being shot by Secret Service.
Another attempt happened near Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. A suspect with a rifle was arrested by Secret Service agents before any harm could occur.
Ongoing Threats
In February, a 21-year-old man with a shotgun and gas canister made an unauthorized entry at Mar-a-Lago. The suspect was identified as Austin Tucker Martin from North Carolina.
Concerns extend beyond Trump, with increasing threats against judges, prosecutors, and public officials. Federal authorities warn about extremist rhetoric and online radicalization.
The series of incidents raises alarm within federal law enforcement about potential political violence as the election cycle approaches. Efforts to address these threats continue, aiming to ensure the safety of officials and the public.
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